School Closure - Extended

Posted April 9, 2020

TO: All Staff and Families

FROM: Superintendent’s Office

DATE: April 6, 2020

RE: School Closures Extended

Today, Governor Inslee announced that schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus. During this closure, all schools in the district will remain closed. Without these restrictions, public health authorities have told us the rate of infection will overwhelm the healthcare system.

We acknowledge continued school closures are difficult on students, staff, families and the entire community. This is disappointing news for all of us: students miss their friends and teachers, and we miss our students. The extended closure also raises numerous questions for students and families. We are working quickly to answer your questions as soon as possible.

In the meantime, here is what we know now:

Continuous learning will continue in the same format as long as schools are closed. We are committed to continuing to partner with families and community to support our students’ learning while they are at home.

High school seniors will receive support on opportunities to earn and document credits they need for postsecondary transitions. We are working with the state’s college system to ensure smooth transitions.

We will continue to provide meals at these locations, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to Noon.

Child care will continue to be available in a limited capacity for children of first responders and health care workers. If your child is already enrolled in child care during school closures, you do not need to take further action to keep your slot. To apply for childcare, please click this link: Child Care Services

All field trips and events, including sports, socials and dances, will be canceled during the extended closure. In some cases, special events may be postponed until summer. We will keep students and families updated on these decisions so that you can plan in advance to participate.

In-person graduation ceremonies may be modified to virtual ceremonies and/or delayed. A final decision will be shared by April 30.

We are awaiting information from the Governor on whether school facilities will be open to provide summer school.

Please, stay home as much as possible and stay healthy. Even while staying at home, it is important to practice excellent hygiene and sanitation. Staying home and limiting person-to-person contact appears to be making a difference in slowing the spread of COVID-19, but those measures need to continue in order to be effective long-term. As much as possible, stay home, limit trips outside for groceries, gas and essentials, and stay 6 feet apart from people outside of your home. Additionally:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

Stay at home away from others if you are sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.